Resources - Samaritan News

Today was the first day in court for Magistrate Kimmins. She was 20 minutes late, but redeemed herself by conducting court with leadership and fairness. Starting at 1:50, court adjourned at 3:40.

The unusually large number of migrants for a Wednesday—75—included 3 women. Two were dismissed and 2 had trouble understanding so Kimmins put their case to the end of the day to allow them to speak with their lawyers. One had his hearing extended 1 week due to comprehension issues. The rest pleaded guilty to entering, a criminal misdemeanor.

Kimmins didn’t ask the migrants if they had anything to say, but several lawyers spoke up for those who wanted to. Two women requested a chance to speak with their husbands in court, which was granted, and one asked for a reduced sentence because his wife is pregnant. Denied.

A large number asked to be housed in Arizona, specifically Florence, and one asked for Milwaukee near her children. Another requested Texas.

Kemmins didn’t state countries of origin. Most dates of entry were the day of Border Patrol booking, showing most had been quickly caught close to the border. Fifteen crossed at Sasebe, 13, near Lukeville, 11 near Nogales, 4 near Douglas, 5 near Naco, 4 in Southern Arizona and 1 near Meaneger(?).

Total prison sentences : 3960 days. Total cost to U.S. taxpayers: $633,600.

Marcos Perez-Morales (16-245441M) expressed “credible fear,” of returning to his country per his lawyer Kevin Lerch. Lawyer Peter Matiatos said Leticia Vigueras-Cruz (16-24541M) had also expressed a “credible fear” and he was notifying ICE and the Florence Project about this. They may be candidates for asylum.

Kemmins stated, as have other magistrates, that the migrants may request that their consulate contact their families to say they have been incarcerated. (How do they do this?) Also that U.S. treaty agreements may dictate that the consulates do so without a request.